His 2016 Sauvignon won bronze at last year’s Decanter, and grace to Štampar Winery the indigenous variety Pušipel will not slip into oblivion, but be rejuvenated in superior quality wines.
Štampar Winery began operating in 1913. How much has the work method and wine characteristic changed since?
We can date to 1913 the first inscription at the entrance to the cellar, so our forefathers made wine even before that, but also other agriculture. The only thing that remained the same since then are the varieties Pušišel and Graševina. The production approach is modernized, new vineyards have gone up, we built cellars and began producing sparklings and red wines. Today our wines are a clear reflection of the terroir of upper Međimurje.
Last year you won a bronze medal at Decanter for the 2016 Sauvignon. What changed in your winery since?
Sauvignon found a true home in Međimurje in terms of climate and soil. This is a great recognition for what we do and a proof to our consumers and wine admirers.
What is the most represented variety in your vineyards?
Pušipel. Nationally and through EU programs, we are working on raising the quality and affirming the only important indigenous variety in Međimurje. Its characteristics include lower sugars than average varieties and higher acids. Pušipel is a light ad drinkable wine, of lively character and decent fruit-citrus aromas mixed with graphite mineral tones, and predicate wine (late and ice harvests) have high concentration of sugars and equally concentrated acids.
Since 2015 you are President of Hortus Croatiae. Tell us about the association and its goals?
The association was founded in 1992 and has 30 members, 24 of them winemakers. Our association organizes Urbanovo, taking place for the 19th time on 18-20 May. The association takes care of joint appearances at fairs, join decisions on long and short term plans, and organizes once a year a study trip in Croatia and a wine region in Europe.
Do you make only still wines or sparklings as well?
We make mostly still wines, and since 2013 sparkling as well.
Do you have information of Međimurje wines being consumed in continental Croatia or along the coastline?
Most of them are consumed on the continent, but lately increasingly along the coast as our wines truly are light summer wines. We must note export has begun as well.
Privately, do you prefer red or white wines?
White
How do you get on in the kitchen?
I help the wife, but it’s not my territory.
Meat or fish?
Meat.
Winter or summer?
Summer.
What makes your day sweeter?
Chocolate.
Plans for the future?
Compelte the hotel above the winery and nurture Štampar Wines by constantly increasing quality. I believe the results will be apparent.
Translated from Jutarnji List (Sunčana Barušić), click here for the original.
